Physiotherapy
What is veterinary physiotherapy?
Veterinary physiotherapy incorporates a range of manual or electro therapies to dogs or cats to aid in the healing of many musculoskeletal related issues, helping your four legged friends get back on their feet post injury, post operatively or in a supportive way for degenerative conditions such as osteoarthritis. We can also assist in maintenance and upkeep of optimum health for your animal friends and improve performance in our sporting patients.
Combining scientific research with a mindful, caring and holistic approach to treatment for the canine or feline individual, we provide a premium Veterinary Physiotherapy service here at The Small Animal Clinic.
As canine sport popularity is on the rise, alongside modern lifestyles, our four-legged friends regularly require some additional care and attention to ensure they are in tip top condition. Contrary to popular belief, physiotherapy is not exclusively for injured animals or animal athletes.
Every companion can benefit from physiotherapeutic treatment, the aim is not just to improve performance prospects but also improve comfort and aid in reducing the risk of injury.
Meet Our Veterinary Physiotherapists
Kirsty Bolderston MSc, BSc, ITEC, MRAMP – Veterinary Physiotherapist, Canine Hydrotherapist & Clinic Manager (ITEC Sports Massage Therapist)
I hold a BSc level in Animal Therapy and an MSc in Veterinary Physiotherapy, and I’m proud to be a RAMP-registered practitioner with additional qualifications in Class IV photobiomodulation therapy (laser), kinesiology taping, and I’m also a certified Indiba Practitioner. Alongside physiotherapy, I’m qualified in canine hydrotherapy to Level 3, with a Level 4 module in advanced aquatic treadmill techniques.
At The Small Animal Clinic, I work primarily with our small animal patients—which might be dogs, cats, guinea pigs, or the occasional more unusual visitor! I also treat horses and other large animals through my wider practice.
I have a particular interest in biomechanics and rehabilitation. I also have a keen interest in the management of long-term, degenerative conditions like osteoarthritis. It’s incredibly rewarding to support these animals through tailored physiotherapy and hydrotherapy programmes—helping them maintain comfort, function, and quality of life.
I share my life with two senior pugs, both of whom I love dearly. In fact, it was my older boy who inspired me to pursue this career in the first place. The love, trust, and loyalty our animals give us is like nothing else—and if I can help others give that same care back to their pets, that’s what it’s all about. They have the purest hearts and souls, and they deserve nothing but the best.
Laura Joyce – Veterinary Physiotherapist & Canine Hydrotherapist (MSc McTimoney Animal Manipulator – July 2025)
Laura qualified as a Veterinary Physiotherapist in 2017 after completing a level 7 course taught at Nottingham Vet School. She freelanced for several years treating both horses and dogs in Norfolk and Suffolk before deciding to specialise in small animal physiotherapy and rehabilitation.
Laura has completed further short courses in kinesiology taping and myofascial release techniques. In 2023 she completed her level 3 canine hydrotherapy qualification with K9HS and joined the team at The Small Animal Clinic. Always on the quest to grow as a therapist and add to her “toolbox” Laura is currently in her second and final year of the MSc Animal Manipulation course taught at the McTimoney College of Chiropractic.
What treatments are available?
Modalities we are able to offer within our physiotherapy service include:
Static, Dynamic, Palpation and Range of Motion Assessments
A variety of massage techniques
TENS/NMES
Low Level Laser Therapy/Photobiomodulation (Class 3b & Class IV)
Shortwave Ultrasound
PEMFT (Pulsed Electronic Magnetic Field Therapy)
Kinesiology Taping
Myofascial Release
Trigger Point Therapy
Targeted Therapeutic Stretching
Dynamic Mobilisation Exercises
Tailored Rehabilitation/Performance targeted Exercise Programmes
Come visit us!
You will find ‘The Small Animal Clinic’s’ Hydrotherapy centre within ‘Centre Paws’ in Wymondham, Norfolk.
Incorporating a dog groomer, dog agility, a dog friendly café, animal massage and even alpaca trekking, Centre Paws is the ideal place to bring your dog. We are only five minutes from the A11 and 20 minutes from Norwich, and you will find ample car parking on site.
